Kerala Inspirations

Kerala Festive Culture

KERALA FESTIVE CULTURE

Kerala is a land of diversity, rich in heritage and has numerous cultural festivals celebrations which depict vibrant colors, have striking fragrances and involve heart touching music and traditions.

Some of the famous eye-catching cultural festivals of Kerala listed below. We’ve looked at some of the most important and given ideas on trips that combine well to experience them.

Theyyam Festival

The 800-year-old Theyyam Cultural festival showcases traditional folk dances and arts of Kerala. Locals decorate the performer with paints, mask and color. He showcases his skills by dances to the rhythms of songs in front of temples. Some of the Thayyam performances are Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi and Raktha Chamundi.

Kalpathi Chariot Festival

It is a 10-day long festival held around Swami Viswanatha Temple where three colorfully decorated chariots having deities inside it are pulled through the streets amidst Vedic chants of the locals. In the evening cultural programs and Carnatic music concerts are held there.

Onam

Onam festival is carried out to celebrate the homecoming of the great King Mahabali to meet his subjects. One gets to witness various sporting events, colorful floral carpet decorations, dance, music and people dressed up in traditional wear called Onakodi. It is also marked with grand feasts on banana leaves (called Sadyas).

Snake Boat Races

One of the most worlds known cultural festival of Kerala is the snaked shaped boat racing in the backwaters. You will get to witness the most enthralling, colorful, enthusiastic boat race showcasing exemplary team spirit and synchronization. Some of the popular boast races are Champakulam Moolam boat race, Nehru Trophy boat race and Vallam Kali boat race.

Thrissur Pooram

One of the biggest temple festivals in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is a Cultural festival of color, music, gatherings, decorated elephants and many more. The festival signifies the gathering of all Gods to meet the Lord Vadakumnathan (Shiva). Among many events, the most notable one is Kudamattam where 15 decorated elephants from each side face each other.